The Power Supply Unit tier list Discussion thread

dottorrentSep 17, 2013, 11:06 PM

The Legacy tier list has been phased out now. Please use this thread as the discussion thread now. The new tier list maybe locked out in mid-may as a result. There will be talks with a couple of official moderators to see if the new list will be locked out from discussion.

Thank you all for supporting the list thus far. It does take some long, stringent research to get the list just right. And thank you all for suggesting the changes and updates, which has evolved the tier list entierely, making it look as modern as possible and giving people more reasons to buy a better unit for their safety and reliability as well.

Would it be possible to remove discontinued products? For instance Enermax Galaxy...I'm sure there's some others since the base list is 5 years old. I don't know, might be helpful if someone wants to use this as a reference for new builders if it's all current.

Would it be possible to remove discontinued products? For instance Enermax Galaxy...I'm sure there's some others since the base list is 5 years old. I don't know, might be helpful if someone wants to use this as a reference for new builders if it's all current.

Let me look up which PSUs are discontinued and will be updated shortly.

How exactly are you determining what units go in what tiers if they are not on the list? The EgXpert guys use reviews of voltage regulation and ripple and noise. Also while the list is decent it's not perfect.

For instance the Corsair CX series is tier 3 due to cheap capacitors. The CXM uses quality Japanese capacitors and should be tier 2 or 2b.

With a change in format and a lot of time and effort into research I could see a list like this ending up as a sticky. We do have a few power supply guides in the sticky but they are dated. As a direct copy/paste I'm not sure we can use this though. Not with the Tom's name on it.

Let me get some other opinions on what should be done here. I'll be back in touch probably via PM.

Edit: Just saw the date. Is this something you want to try to keep current? If so PM me. For now I am going to remove the Tom's Hardware name from the title.

3) I think the reviewer didn't have precise equipment as others do at the time of review.

4)Will never get 80 Plus certification even if it is great because 80 Plus certification labs operate at 115V and Corsair VS series at 220-240V

Also in Tier 1, is that Seasonic S12 II Bronze series? Because there is a separate S12 II series(discontinued)

1 - The VS series is based on the same platform as the CX series and the review seems fine. Low ripple and the same capacitors but a few components were sacrificed to meet pricing requirements. Also the VS Series is for developing countries.

How exactly are you determining what units go in what tiers if they are not on the list? The EgXpert guys use reviews of voltage regulation and ripple and noise. Also while the list is decent it's not perfect.

For instance the Corsair CX series is tier 3 due to cheap capacitors. The CXM uses quality Japanese capacitors and should be tier 2 or 2b.

With a change in format and a lot of time and effort into research I could see a list like this ending up as a sticky. We do have a few power supply guides in the sticky but they are dated. As a direct copy/paste I'm not sure we can use this though. Not with the Tom's name on it.

Let me get some other opinions on what should be done here. I'll be back in touch probably via PM.

Edit: Just saw the date. Is this something you want to try to keep current? If so PM me. For now I am going to remove the Tom's Hardware name from the title.

Where are you getting this information from?

From the reviews and tear downs of the CX Series modular and non-modular models, I've read, they both have the same quality of components. A Japanese 85°C rated primary capacitor and cheap Taiwanese 105°C rated CapXon secondary capacitors.

Interesting. I am not sure where I saw that but I have been under the impression the CX-M was slightly updated and had fixed the Capxon secondary. I'm not the only one who has been posting that either so it may just be a case of bad info getting out and spreading. I certainly will not post it again if it's not true.

Ko888 I don't know if you have the time or the motivation but I can't think of a better person to head up putting together an official Tom's PSU tier type list. If that's something you would be interested in let one of the mods know. I would help in any capacity I could and I bet SR-71 Blackbird would be glad to jump in.

Dottorrent I have not forgotten you or this list. I have been busy and had some family stuff going on for the last week and a half or so but you would certainly be involved in getting any official list going if you wanted to be.

Interesting. I am not sure where I saw that but I have been under the impression the CX-M was slightly updated and had fixed the Capxon secondary. I'm not the only one who has been posting that either so it may just be a case of bad info getting out and spreading. I certainly will not post it again if it's not true.

Ko888 I don't know if you have the time or the motivation but I can't think of a better person to head up putting together an official Tom's PSU tier type list. If that's something you would be interested in let one of the mods know. I would help in any capacity I could and I bet SR-71 Blackbird would be glad to jump in.

Hey, I'm always looking for people to help improve this list. Always open to suggestions and improvements.

3) I think the reviewer didn't have precise equipment as others do at the time of review.

4)Will never get 80 Plus certification even if it is great because 80 Plus certification labs operate at 115V and Corsair VS series at 220-240V

Also in Tier 1, is that Seasonic S12 II Bronze series? Because there is a separate S12 II series(discontinued)

1 - The VS series is based on the same platform as the CX series and the review seems fine. Low ripple and the same capacitors but a few components were sacrificed to meet pricing requirements. Also the VS Series is for developing countries.

2 - Yes. That is the new bronze series.

You might want to add the word 'Bronze' to the Seasonic S12 II, M12 II series. Actually seasonic has a lot of series of PSUs starting with S12/M12. U might also want to write them on separate lines if a user uses Ctrl+F to search for S12 II in this big list.

I can understand that u people are not interested in Corsair VS series because it is not available in your markets. Good for you.

There are 2 versions of the Corsair VS4501) VS450 (CP-9020009) that uses JunFu and Fuhjyyu capacitors and is discontinued2) VS450 (75-001835 / CP-9020049) that has Aishi capacitors and MOST secondary side capacitors are CapXon

The CX series uses Samxon and Teapo capacitors and maybe 1 or 2 CapXon (I'm not sure)The CXM uses Panasonic and CapXon capacitors

You certainly don't have to stick with the Eggxpert Tiers. You can make 10 tiers if u want. Hell I would make a Tier 6 just for IBall,Odyssey,VIP PSUs. Most of my countrymen asks whether this gpu will work on these PSUs

3) I think the reviewer didn't have precise equipment as others do at the time of review.

4)Will never get 80 Plus certification even if it is great because 80 Plus certification labs operate at 115V and Corsair VS series at 220-240V

Also in Tier 1, is that Seasonic S12 II Bronze series? Because there is a separate S12 II series(discontinued)

1 - The VS series is based on the same platform as the CX series and the review seems fine. Low ripple and the same capacitors but a few components were sacrificed to meet pricing requirements. Also the VS Series is for developing countries.

2 - Yes. That is the new bronze series.

You might want to add the word 'Bronze' to the Seasonic S12 II, M12 II series. Actually seasonic has a lot of series of PSUs starting with S12/M12. U might also want to write them on separate lines if a user uses Ctrl+F to search for S12 II in this big list.

I can understand that u people are not interested in Corsair VS series because it is not available in your markets. Good for you.

There are 2 versions of the Corsair VS4501) VS450 (CP-9020009) that uses JunFu and Fuhjyyu capacitors and is discontinued2) VS450 (75-001835 / CP-9020049) that has Aishi capacitors and MOST secondary side capacitors are CapXon

The CX series uses Samxon and Teapo capacitors and maybe 1 or 2 CapXon (I'm not sure)The CXM uses Panasonic and CapXon capacitors

You certainly don't have to stick with the Eggxpert Tiers. You can make 10 tiers if u want. Hell I would make a Tier 6 just for IBall,Odyssey,VIP PSUs. Most of my countrymen asks whether this gpu will work on these PSUs

Hi - It's a good project, IF; The reviews upon which the tier decisions are made are in fact by thorough and competent review sites,and not say sites that Gabriel Torres refers to in his article, why 99% of PSU reviews are wrong:http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/410

Hi guys.Apologies on my absence on the tier list, I have been incredibly busy. The tier list will be updated ASAP.

I am still not sure about the RM series from corsair . . are they good ? . RM series is listed in tier 2 class A . but they are not that good as reviewed . . I am also looking to buy the 650w version . . what's your thoughts ?

Hi guys.Apologies on my absence on the tier list, I have been incredibly busy. The tier list will be updated ASAP.

I am still not sure about the RM series from corsair . . are they good ? . RM series is listed in tier 2 class A . but they are not that good as reviewed . . I am also looking to buy the 650w version . . what's your thoughts ?

Most RM PSUs are excellent choices. The 650w Model will be moved to Tier 3, until further notice. It's a decent choice, as it is silent, got a good amount of cables and is built to a high standard from Corsair. I would stress though, that the Seasonic G-650 is another £5 - £10 ($8 - $15) more expensive, but is of higher quality. That would be my pick.

Hi guys.Apologies on my absence on the tier list, I have been incredibly busy. The tier list will be updated ASAP.

I am still not sure about the RM series from corsair . . are they good ? . RM series is listed in tier 2 class A . but they are not that good as reviewed . . I am also looking to buy the 650w version . . what's your thoughts ?

Most RM PSUs are excellent choices. The 650w Model will be moved to Tier 3, until further notice. It's a decent choice, as it is silent, got a good amount of cables and is built to a high standard from Corsair. I would stress though, that the Seasonic G-650 is another £5 - £10 ($8 - $15) more expensive, but is of higher quality. That would be my pick.

my friend has RM750 and it has real temperature issues . . it has shutdown 3 to 4 times on high temp like almost 40degree . . that's why i haven't bought this yet . . so the rm650 is in tier 3 and the other models are still in tier 2 . . any explaination . . . ?

Tier one - The highest quality and most stable PSUs available on the hardware market today. Highly recommended for any situation -

This statement isn't accurate because of the discontinued/obsolete models listed.

Antec Signature series <===== Discontinued

Enermax Revolution82 <===== Not listed anywhere in Enermax's current or legacy product lists

Sapphire Pure series <===== Sapphire is out of the PSU business

Seventeam ST series (greater than 600 watts, SSI, V2.91) <===== There's no supporting evidence that Seventeam should even be in Tier 1. What is an ST series? Every Seventeam PSU model number begins with the ST- prefix accross all (i.e. at least 36) of their series.

SilverStone Decathlon (DA) and Olympia (OP) Series <===== both series are Discontinued

SilverStone Zeus ZF and ZM1200M <===== Discontinued

Ultra X3 greater than 1000 Watts <===== Discontinued - Uses All Teapo capacitors. 7 year old technology doesn't qualify for Tier One when compared to the electrical performance of currently available Tier One PSUs.

Super Flower Leadex Platinum series should not be in Tier two class A. It should be in Tier One. This is supported by unbiased expert reviews.

Super Flower Leadex Gold should also be in Tier One and is supported by unbiased expert reviews.

my friend has RM750 and it has real temperature issues . . it has shutdown 3 to 4 times on high temp like almost 40degree . . that's why i haven't bought this yet . . so the rm650 is in tier 3 and the other models are still in tier 2 . . any explaination . . . ?

Have your friend check the PSU's serial number. If the first four digits (i.e. lot code) begin with 1341xxxxx or higher then they should have addressed the PSU fan operation issue.

Serial numbers with a lot code earlier/lower than 1341xxxxx will have the PSU fan operation issue and should be RMA'ed with Corsair.

my friend has RM750 and it has real temperature issues . . it has shutdown 3 to 4 times on high temp like almost 40degree . . that's why i haven't bought this yet . . so the rm650 is in tier 3 and the other models are still in tier 2 . . any explaination . . . ?

Have your friend check the PSU's serial number. If the first four digits (i.e. lot code) begin with 1341xxxxx or higher then they should have addressed the PSU fan operation issue.

Serial numbers with a lot code earlier/lower than 1341xxxxx will have the PSU fan operation issue and should be RMA'ed with Corsair.

as he said that it is of code higher than 1341xxxxx . 13423527 ... thats what he told me . . i haven't checked it myself

. . . so the rm650 is in tier 3 and the other models are still in tier 2 . . any explaination . . . ?

Two of the +5V wires aren't working on the 20-pin portion of the (20+4)-pin ATX cable because of the missing jumper/bridge wire on the modular interface circuit board. This means that this PSU shouldn't be used on a motherboard that only has a 20-pin ATX power connector.

Tier two class ARM series (650w model uses cheaper sec. capacitors) <===== That's just wrong. The Teapo and Capxon aluminum electrolytic capacitors on the RM650's secondary side are considered to be of higher quality than the LTEC's used in the RM750 and RM850. LTECs are considered to be near bottom rung.

. . . so the rm650 is in tier 3 and the other models are still in tier 2 . . any explaination . . . ?

Two of the +5V wires aren't working on the 20-pin portion of the (20+4)-pin ATX cable because of the missing jumper/bridge wire on the modular interface circuit board. This means that this PSU shouldn't be used on a motherboard that only has a 20-pin ATX power connector.

Tier two class ARM series (650w model uses cheaper sec. capacitors) <===== That's just wrong. The Teapo and Capxon aluminum electrolytic capacitors on the RM650's secondary side are considered to be of higher quality than the LTEC's used in the RM750 and RM850. LTECs are considered to be near bottom rung.

I have been busy over the past season, so please bare with me. Plus, most of the reviews I have read of the 650w model do mark it down for no Japanese capacitors on the secondary side. Please bare in mind it has taken me some time to get back to the list. Like I said, I will update the list as time comes.

Wish newegg would figure out what the hell there doing and give the tier page again.

BTW upgraded my power supply to this list to Antec HCP 1000w and couldn't be happier thanks for the list dottorrent, i looked everywhere for neweggs list but then ended up going on your list here. Love this power supply.

Wish newegg would figure out what the hell there doing and give the tier page again.

BTW upgraded my power supply to this list to Antec HCP 1000w and couldn't be happier thanks for the list dottorrent, i looked everywhere for neweggs list but then ended up going on your list here. Love this power supply.

The EggXpert forums have been replaced with the community forums and the tier list has seem to have disappeared. I made the list, just in case something like this happens.

Wish newegg would figure out what the hell there doing and give the tier page again.

BTW upgraded my power supply to this list to Antec HCP 1000w and couldn't be happier thanks for the list dottorrent, i looked everywhere for neweggs list but then ended up going on your list here. Love this power supply.

The EggXpert forums have been replaced with the community forums and the tier list has seem to have disappeared. I made the list, just in case something like this happens.

By the way I am finding my source but I believe the Cooler master Silent M2s should be on tier 2 or T2b.

If you look at the scope shot from Tom's Hardware's own review of the Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 520W you can see that the ripple and noise are outside of the allowed ATX specifications:ATX allowed maximum DC Output Noise/Ripple:+12V: 120 mVpp+5V: 50 mVpp+3.3V: 50 mVpp

Can you add the Gigabyte series of PSUs? if not all of them, at least add the Odin Pro and Odin GT to the list. I think, based on their reviews, their place is between "Tier two Class B" and "Tier three".

Can you add the Gigabyte series of PSUs? if not all of them, at least add the Odin Pro and Odin GT to the list. I think, based on their reviews, their place is between "Tier two Class B" and "Tier three".

Thanks.

Units reviewed which are older than 2009 are not on the list. The Gigabyte Odin pro and GT is an example of that.

OK Thanks! but when I suggested to add some Gigabyte PSUs, I meant their line of PSUs in general, but I wasn't clear enough and I didn't know that units older than 2009 are not included in the list . Anyway it would be nice if maybe we can add their newer PSUs like the Sumo, PowerRock, Hercules etc... series which are all released after 2011 I believe and all of them have reviews.

BTW this is really a great list, and I refer to it everytime I get a PSU for my customers. (I work at a PC shop). Keep up the good work!